Yet another tool

[Old Dude]

Hello all...
I've never powered up a scroll saw, let alone cut with one, but I think it's time to give it a go. I discovered this forum while searching for saw reviews, and there appears to be informative stuff floating about. I currently have a fairly complete wood shop, and now that I'm retired I spend all day nearly every day out there. I also have a bandsaw mill and a shop built kiln, so my great pleasure is to start with a log and end up with a piece worthy of gift-giving (which sometimes includes a photo of the tree). Usually along the way I generate much fodder for the woodstove, but at least nothing is wasted. Occasionally I've come across the situation that I'd like to make an inside cut on a piece and wish I had a scroll saw, but not too often, so haven't gone there yet...until now. I want to get one of the high end saws, even though at this point my interest in making intricate pieces isn't high. But I bought a small inexpensive lathe (two of them) when I had a turning requirement, didn't see that bug coming, and ended up with turner's syndrome...and of course a larger, more expensive lathe. So I think I'll jump right to the end game this time and not try to sneak up on it. I'm considering the Excalibur EX-21, Hawk G4, and Hegner 18V. The engineer in me likes the Eclipse, but I can't justify the bucks. I'm not too concerned about finding a way to get hands on, since at this point I'd probably make a decision on the wrong impressions anyway (my experience with a new tool is that I don't really know whether or not I like it until I've logged some hours coaxing it into submission), so I'm relying on what other, experienced users have to say. I was involved one time in moving some computer manufacturing to Asia (after an acquisition), and the horror stories I've read about Dewalt's problems match my experiences. And now I see that Excalibur has been acquired by General International and they're doing the same thing. I find that a bit scary. So even though they're on the short list, I'll probably go with the Hawk or the Hegner. For the same money the G4 provides more throat capacity than the 18V, but I'm not sure I care about that...in fact in my mind I can see a longer arm waving about and maybe contributing to the nasty things like vibration. I'm sure there are many more important things to consider than capacity, though, so please try to talk me into or out of one of the above tools...why you hate it is as important as why you love it.

Thank you in advance. Hope everyone had a happy 4th.
Regards.
Ed

[Rolf]

The biggest advantage of the G4 over the Hegner is that the G4 can be top fed.
The depth of throat doesn't contribute to any additional vibration.

[Mike Crosa]

And considering how my neck is not getting more supple but on the contrary, I find the ability to top feed becoming more and more important in my scrolling.

[f250]

Ed,

I started with a lower end saw and enjoyed it, but constantly had to fight with the things that "just weren't right." I knew a real saw had to enter my shop and I did lots of looking around. I got to touch some high end saws and see them in action at the State
Fair and other Home Shows.

I cannot put into words how happy I am with the RBI Hawk G4. If I ever killed this one, I'd buy another in a heartbeat. If I get a chance and the room for a second saw, you guessed it, it will be another G4.

This saw is totally awesome, what vibration

Tom

[lucky788scroller]

You will be happy with any of the 3 youve narrowed it down to.Id pick the excalibur myself, mainly because I am pretty familiar with its sawing action, its similar to the yella saws I use in that aspect.

[north wood clocks]

Hello Ed
Top feeding is a good feature, an arm that lifts is much easier to feed through the holes, especially on larger pieces or delicate patterns. A toolless blade change is a nice feature and a time saver, as is variable speed for some projects. One other 'must' feature to look for is a front tension adjustment. A foot switch is very convienient. You have good taste in your proposed choices.
I have the Ex 19 and a Canadian made Dewalt, and I prefer the Dewalt simply because of the front blade tension adjustment, and it has a larger table. If you can possibly test drive the machines at a Show, a store or a friend's --take the opportunity. You will have your own feel for what is right for you. It IS a good idea to buy as good a tool as you can the first time, because 2 or 3 cheaper tools
will cost more than 1 better 1 -- and less frustration to boot.

Norman